22 October 2022 – The identity of the teams that Banyana Banyana will face in their group at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup were finally revealed after the tournament draw was held in Auckland, New Zealand, on Saturday 22 October 2022.
Coach Desiree Ellis was present in the room as Sweden, Italy and Argentina were revealed to be the reigning African champions’ opponents in Group G. The CAF Women’s Coach of the Year said she was happy with the draw as she prepares to take her charges to a second successive FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“Look, I think all the groups are tough, but I think it is a reasonable draw,” she said soon after the SASOL-sponsored Banyana Banyana’s opponents were confirmed.
“We have played against Sweden before, (but) we have not played Italy and Argentina. It could have been a tougher one, so we are happy with it.
“When it comes to Sweden, we have played against the Netherlands and they are similar. And with regards to Argentina, we have played against Brazil and they are similar. Italy are from the same continent as the Netherlands, but maybe they are different types of teams.
“Now the planning starts, the preparation starts, the analyzing of the teams and making sure that we have as much information as we can, and also getting the right friendlies”.
The tournament will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand next year and Africa’s other representatives had contrasting fortunes during the draw.
Zambia were drawn against Costa Rica, Spain and Japan in Group C, Nigeria tackle Australia, the Republic of Ireland and Canada in Group B, while Morocco have Germany, Colombia and the Korea Republic to contend with in Group H.